Michaelmas, or the Feast of Michael and All Angels, is celebrated on the 29th of September every year. As it falls near the equinox, the day is associated with the beginning of autumn and the shortening of days; in England, it is one of the “quarter days”.

Folklore in the British Isles suggests that Michaelmas day is the last day that blackberries can be picked. It is said that when St. Michael expelled Lucifer, the devil, from heaven, he fell from the skies and landed in a prickly blackberry bush. Satan cursed the fruit, scorched them with his fiery breath, and stamped and spat on them, so that they would be unfit for eating. A Traditional Irish proverb says:

On Michaelmas Day the devil puts his foot on the blackberries. If you have access to blackberries, make this the last picking and eating. Perhaps make a blackberry pie?

The act of giving a Michaelmas Daisy symbolises saying farewell, perhaps in the same way as Michaelmas Day is seen to say farewell to the productive year and welcome in the new cycle.

Traditionally, in the British Isles, a well fattened goose, fed on the stubble from the fields after the harvest, is eaten to protect against financial need in the family for the next year; and as the saying goes: “Eat a goose on Michaelmas Day, Want not for money all the year."

In Christianity, the Archangel Michael is the greatest of all the Archangels and is honoured for defeating Lucifer in the war in heaven.[2] He is one of the principal angelic warriors, seen as a protector against the dark of night, and the administrator of cosmic intelligence. Michaelmas has also delineated time and seasons for secular purposes as well, particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland as one of the quarter days.

St Michael is also the patron saint of horses and horsemen. This could explain one of the ancient Scottish traditions that used to be practiced on Michaelmas Day. Horse racing competitions in the local communities would be held and small prizes won. However, with a twist, it was the only time at which a neighbour’s horse could be taken lawfully the night before and ridden for the entirety of the day, as long as the animal was returned safely!

St. Michael the Archangel -Feast day - September 29th The name Michael signifies "Who is like to God?" and was the warcry of the goodangels in the battle fought in heaven against satan and his followers.

HolyScripture describes St. Michael as "one of the chief princes," and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.

Although he is always called "the Archangel," the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all theangels - as Prince of the Seraphim. St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.

Saint Michael the Archangel,Defend us in battle.Be our protection against theWickedness and snares of the devil.May God rebuke him,We humbly pray.And do thou,O Prince of the Heavenly Host,By the Power of God,Cast into HellSatan and all the evil spiritswhich prowl about the world,Seeking the ruin of souls.Amen.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls "angels" is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition."Angels are pure, created spirits. The name angel means servant or messenger of God. Angels are celestial or heavenly beings, on a higher order than human beings. Angels have no bodies and do not depend on matter for their existence or activity. They are distinct from saints, which men can become. Angels have intellect and will, and are immortal. They are a vast multitude, but each is an individual person. Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominations, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim.http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-09-29

Uriel, Gabriel, Michael and Raphael are the four archangels mentioned most often in Hebrew, Kabbalistic, Islamic, and Christian traditions. The name Uriel literally means "Fire of God," "Flame of God," "Light of God," or even "Sun of God." http://www.uriel.com/uriel/index.htm

September 29: Feast of Michael, Angel of Protection, and Uriel, Angel of Justice.Old Calendar: Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelmas Day)The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael (Who is like God?) was the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, "Hail, full of grace," is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. Raphael (Medicine of God) is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

According to the 1962 Missal of Bl. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Michael. St. Gabriel is observed on March 24 and St. Raphael on October 24.

• Archangel Michael -- Guardian of the South and Element of Fire. Chief of the Archangels, Angel of Justice, Strength and Protection • Archangel Raphael -- Guardian of the East and Element of Air. Keeper of the Tree of Life and Healing Powers, Angel of Love, Joy and Laughter. • Archangel Gabriel -- Guardian of the West and Element of Water. Patron of Messengers, Angel of Resurrection, Mercy and Peace. • Archangel Uriel -- Guardian of the North and Element of Earth. Keeper of Prophecy, Angel of Nature, Visions and Instruction.

Michael (September 29) — The name of this Archangel means "who is like unto God?" In the Old Covenant he is made known to us as the "great prince," the protector of the children of Israel (Dan. 12, 1). Through the New Testament the Church continues this patronage of Michael (Apoc. 12, 7) and has always venerated him as the guardian angel of the kingdom of Christ on earth, as the heavenly leader in the fight against all enemies of God. For this reason he was the special patron of Christian soldiers fighting against pagan armies. In the fierce battles of the imperial troops against the heathen Magyars in Bavaria (933 and 955) Saint Michael’s help was invoked by all fighters with prayer and song and battle cry, and the victory was gratefully attributed to him.His feast, originally combined with the remembrance of all angels, had been celebrated in Rome from the early centuries on September 29. The Synod of Mainz (813) introduced it into all the countries of the Carolingian Empire and prescribed its celebration as a public holiday. All through medieval times Saint Michael’s Day was kept as a great religious feast (in France even up to the last century) and one of the annual holiday seasons as well. The churches of the Greek Rite keep the feast on November 8, and a second festival on September 6. In France the apparition of the Archangel at Mont-Saint-Michel is commemorated on October 16. Another apparition, on Mount Gargano in Apulia, Italy, is honored by a memorial feast in the whole Western Church on May 8.http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1155

Uriel is often referred to as the Great Archangel of the Earth. One contemporary account describes the archangel thus: "He (or she) is the keeper of the mysteries which are deep within the planet, underground and in the hidden depths of the living world." The feast day of the Archangel Uriel is celebrated July 28. Uriel's influence is believed to peak during the summer months. According to Corinne Heline: "The beautiful Uriel stands guardian over the activities of the summer. The ripening of grain and the floodtide of blossom are under his guidance. He also supervises the Nature Spirits, those fascinating little sprites who inhabit the elements of earth, air, fire and water, and who lend so much to the beautification of all nature. The highest initiatory teachings belonging to the New Age... are under the direction of Uriel." [Corinne Heline. The Blessed Virgin Mary. New Age Press, 1971, p. 110.] Invocation to the Archangel UrielGlory to God and his deeds, for everything is good and wonderful. Holy Archangel Uriel, protect and look after rivers, their waters we drink, life springs up from them; make grass sprout for cattle, make man yield bread out of the land, wine to enliven his heart, oil and food to give him force.[This beautiful invocation was translated from the original Spanish by Pedro Pablo Parrado of Bogota, Colombia.]

The Anglican intercessional prayer to Saint Uriel the Archangel is as follows;Oh holy Saint Uriel, intercede for us that our hearts may burn with the fire of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Assist us in co-operating with the graces of our confirmation that the gifts of theHoly Spirit may bear much fruit in our souls.Obtain for us the grace to use the sword of truth to pare away all that is not in conformity to the most adorableWill of God in our lives, that we may fully participate in the army of the ChurchAmen[14]

St. Gabriel's name means "God is my strength". Biblically he appears three times as a messenger. He had been sent to Daniel to explain a vision concerning the Messiah. He appeared to Zachary when he was offering incense in the Temple, to foretell the birth of his son, St. John the Baptist. St. Gabriel is most known as the angel chosen by God to be the messenger of the Annunciation, to announce to mankind the mystery of the Incarnation.

Our knowledge of the Archangel Raphael comes to us from the book of Tobit. His mission as wonderful healer and fellow traveller with the youthful Tobias has caused him to be invoked for journeys and at critical moments in life. Tradition also holds that Raphael is the angel that stirred the waters at the healing sheep pool in Bethesda. His name means "God has healed". The Book of Tobit for the story of St. Raphael helping Tobit and Tobias.Patron: Blind; bodily ills; counselors; druggists; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; healers; health inspectors; health technicians; love; lovers; mental illness; nurses; pharmacists; physicians; shepherds; against sickness; therapists; travellers; young people; young people leaving home for the first time; Archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; Archdiocese of Seattle, Washington.Symbols: Staff; wallet and fish; staff and gourd; archangel; young man carrying a staff; young man carrying a fish; walking with Tobias; holding a bottle or flask; symbolic colors, gray or yellow.

Mabon, the Autumn Equinox, is the counterbalance to Ostara. Once again, night and day are equal. Yet, after tonight, the seesaw tips toward more than day.

The time of second harvest, Mabon's another time to gather the fruits of one labor and to cut away what is no longer necessary. It's a time to reflect on what fell out of balance to move into the dark portion of the year. A ritual preformed with a small scale-where you write what's gotten out of balance and place it on the other-will guide you. http://www.witchskel.com/mabon.html

The Autumn Equinox is also known as the Witches' Thanksgiving. On the November holiday, you often travel to spend time with your family. Today, spend the day with the family you've crated out of friends, colleagues, neighbors, and loved ones. Throw a potluck feast. Celebrate outside if weather permits. Take a moment to remember those who who lost through the year, those who were harvested. Give thanks for all that is good in your life, and take a few minutes to share your gratitude with those gathered.Cerridwen Iris Shea -Llewellyn's Date Book 2010http://cerridwenscottage.com/

The Law of Three is a spiritual law in effect that everything you do comes back to you. No matter what you do magically, there's a giant Cosmic Force that will make sure your deeds are revisited upon you threefold. While not all Witches, Wiccans and Pagans adhere to the “Law of Three” as an official tenet of their belief, most do believe that we should act in a responsible manner in our dealings with each other. None of us can profess to be perfect all of the time and misunderstandings certainly can and do occur. To accept responsibility for your part in any situation is a sign of maturity. To say that you are mistaken is not the same as stating that you are a bad person. It is simply acknowledging that you are human. (The Witches’ Voice) From one witch to another human decency is an important life choice. I would like to say there is so much ugliness in the world. Too much focus on the meaningless things. It’s disturbing. I don’t endorse this. It is not about what you have in life, but who you have in your life. Witches adhere to the Rede – “An it harm none, do as ye will.” Do what you will and give thanks for your blessings. If you apply this you discover self-transformation, personal healing, and live a more constructive and positive existence. Life is in motion. You will not shut life out, but with an open heart become a productive member of society.Bide the Witch’s Law ye must, in perfect love, in perfect trust. Eight words of the Witch’s Rede fulfill: An ye harm none, do what ye will. What is sent forth comes back to thee, So ever mind the Rule of Three. Follow this with mind and heart, and merry ye meet, and merry we part.

Dr. Alan Ross Hugenot has spent decades contemplating the conundrums of physics, along with the enigma of human consciousness.

Hugenot holds a doctorate of science in mechanical engineering, and has had a successful career in marine engineering, serving on committees that write the ship-building standards for the United States.

“I did things using Newtonian physics to create ships,” he said, “but the whole time, I knew better. There’s this whole other world that our five senses don’t register.” He gave a talk on the science of the afterlife at the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) 2014 Conference in Newport Beach, Calif., on Aug. 29.

Exploring the scientific theories related to this other world, Hugenot has wondered whether the consciousness of living human beings as well as the “souls” of the dead reside in dark matter or dark energy. He has pondered the implications of the power our consciousness seems to have over physical reality.

Hugenot told of a near-death experience in the 1970s during which he experienced part of this other world. He found it “more real than this place.”

These matters aren’t only intellectual curiosities for Hugenot; they bear on a profound experience that has changed his worldview.

Hugenot summarized some theories in physics, interpreting how they may point to the existence of a consciousness independent of the brain and to the existence of an afterlife on another plane. He noted that further investigation (reliant on further funding) would be needed to verify his postulates. He also noted challenges in trying to verify these ideas in a traditional scientific framework.

How Your Consciousness Could Exist in a ‘Cloud’

Hugenot said the human consciousness may function like the data we store in the cloud. That data can be accessed from multiple devices—your smartphone, your tablet, your desktop computer.

During a near-death experience, theorized Hugenot, the mind may be fleeing a dangerous situation. We can “flip the switch and go to the other computer,” he said.

“The nexus of my consciousness is in my head, but the locus of my consciousness—where is it really? It’s outside my body. Because inside and outside is an illusion.”

Space may not exist, or at least not in the way we commonly understand it, he said, citing Dr. John Bell’s non-locality theorem. “[It's a] hard one to get; we love our space,” he joked.

Non-locality refers to the ability of two objects to instantaneously know about each other’s states, even if they’re separated by vast distances. It is related to the phenomenon of entanglement: particle A and particle B interact, and thereafter remain mysteriously bonded. When particle A undergoes a change, particle B undergoes the same change; A and B have, in many ways, lost their individuality and behave as a single entity.

Bell’s theorem has been verified by many scientists over the years and is part of mainstream quantum physics. Hugenot’s ideas about the consciousness existing inside and outside of the human body at the same time build on this theorem, but remain outside the mainstream.

Is the Afterlife in Dark Matter, or Maybe in Another Dimension?

What scientists have observed accounts for an estimated 4 percent of our universe. Dark energy and dark matter comprise the other 96 percent. Scientists don’t really know what dark energy and matter are, and their existence is only perceived because of the effects they appear to have on observable matter.

Hugenot said: “This undiscerned 96 percent of the universe … gives us plenty of room for both consciousness and the afterlife to exist in.”

Perhaps the consciousness exists in another dimension, Hugenot said. String Theory, much-discussed in mainstream physics, holds that other dimensions exist beyond the four-dimensional concept of the universe. String Theory views the universe as a world of very thin, vibrating strings. The strings are thought to project from a lower-dimensional cosmos, one that is simpler, flatter, and without gravity.

Why Ghosts Can Go Through Walls—and You Can Too

Hugenot said that reaching another dimension could be a matter of belief. Maybe our bodies could pass through walls if we really believed they could.

“My whole soul believes in 3-D, so I can’t go through the wall,” he said. He looked at some experiments that have shown the power human consciousness has to influence physical reality.

Light Can Be Either a Particle or a Wave—Depending on Your Thoughts

Consciousness seems to have a physical impact on matter. The famed double-slit experiment shocked physicists when it showed that photons (light particles) act differently when they are observed than when no one is watching.

Essentially, the observer can cause the photons to take either the particle or the wave form by the very act of measuring; they aren’t fixed in one form as expected.

Particles exist as potential, Hugenot said, and the observer determines what form they take. He noted that the influence of a researcher’s mind on his or her experiment has serious implications: “If a skeptic wants to replicate what a ‘believer’ found in their experiment, the skeptic can’t do it, because … [it's going to go] the way that guy wants to see it and not the way the other guy wants to see it.”

Hugenot asked, if potential only takes form when observed, who or what was the observer of the Big Bang? His answer is, simply, “consciousness.”

Princeton Experiments Show the Mind Can Influence Electronic Devices

Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Lab (PEAR) at Princeton University is famous for experiments it conducted showing our minds may actually affect the operations of electronic devices. Over many years, PEAR researchers conducted millions of experiments with hundreds of people. A typical example of such an experiment is as follows:

A random event generator (REG) is an electronic device that can produce bits representing either 0 or 1. Study participants would try to influence the REG either way, toward 0 or toward 1. If the events showed a significant favor in the direction of the person’s will above what chance would dictate, it suggested the person’s will influenced the machine.

The cumulative finding was that the human mind can slightly influence the machine. Though the influence was slight, the consistency was significant. Over the course of so many trials, the statistical power increased. The probability of these results happening by chance rather than by an influence of the human mind is less than 1 to 1 billion.

Life Afterlife takes an intriguing look at the eternal question: Is there life after death? And if so, can we communicate with the dead? Through personal stories from everyday people who claim they've made contact with deceased friends and relatives, to self-proclaimed mediums, to philosophers and scientists who've dedicated their lives to these issues, this film examines the fact and fantasy of the last great frontier. The documentary was produced and directed by Lisa F. Jackson. Executive producers are Linda Ellerbee and Rolfe Tessem. First aired on HBO in October of 1999.

Many new Wiccans and Pagans are initiated with the cautionary words from their elders, "Ever mind the Rule of Three!" This warning is explained to mean that no matter what you do magically, there's a giant Cosmic Force that will make sure your deeds are revisited upon you threefold. It's universally guaranteed, some Pagans claim, which is why you better not EVER perform any harmful magic... or at least, that's what they tell you.However, this is one of the most highly contested theories in modern Paganism. Is the Rule of Three real, or is it just something made up by experienced Wiccans to scare the "newbies" into submission?There are several different schools of thought on the Rule of Three. Some Wiccans and Pagans will tell you in no uncertain terms that it's bunk, and that the Threefold Law is not a law at all, but just a guideline used to keep people on the straight and narrow. Other groups swear by it.Background and Origins of the Threefold LawThe Rule of Three, also called the Law of Threefold Return, is a caveat given to newly initiated witches in some magical traditions, primarily NeoWiccanones. The purpose is a cautionary one. It keeps people who have just discovered Wicca from thinking they have Magical Super Powers. It also, if heeded, keeps folks from performing negative magic without putting some serious thought into the consequences.

*** Find out how Wicca witches can cure a bad temper on The Science Channel's "Ten Ways to Lift a Curse."

*** Is 666 really a cursed number? One unlucky car owner thinks so. Watch as new age shamans attempt to cure a car tagged with a 666 license plate by using crystals, chants, and a little spit on The Science Channel's, "Ten Ways to Lift a Curse."

*** Is the Shakespeare's classic "Macbeth" cursed? On the Science Channel's "10 Ways to Lift a Curse," witness some of the tragic accidents associated with the stage production and how the supposed curse can be broken.

Basic Principles and Concepts of Wicca

Introduction:There's an old saying that if you ask any ten Wiccans about their religion, you'll get at least fifteen different answers. That's not far from the truth, because with nearly half a million Americans practicing Wicca today, there are hundreds of different Wiccan groups out there. There is no one governing body over Wicca, nor is there a "Bible" that lays down a universal set of guidelines. While specifics vary from one tradition to the next, there are actually a few ideals and beliefs common to nearly all modern Wiccan groups.Do keep in mind that this article is primarily focused on Wiccan traditions, rather than on the principles of non-Wiccan Pagan belief systems. Not all Pagans are Wiccans, and not all Pagan traditions have the same set of principles as the core beliefs of modern Wicca.Origins of Wicca:Wicca as a religion was introduced by Gerald Gardner in the 1950s. Gardner's tradition wasoathbound, initiatory, and secret. However, after a few years splinter groups began forming, and new traditions were formed. Today, many Wiccan groups owe their basic foundation to the principles laid out by Gardner. Wicca is not an ancient religion, but Gardner did incorporate some old esoteric knowledge into his original tradition, including Eastern mysticism, Kabballah, and British legend.

Who Is a Wiccan, and How Do You Find Them?:Wiccans come from all walks of life. They are doctors and nurses, teachers and soccer moms, writers and firefighters, waitresses and computer programmers. In other words, anyone can be Wiccan, and people become Wiccan for many reasons. In fact, a recent study estimated nearly half a million Wiccans in the United States today - and frankly, that number seems inaccurately low. As to where to find them, that might take a bit of digging -- as a mystery religion that doesn't proselytize or actively recruit, it can sometimes be difficult to find a group in your area. Never fear, though -- the Wiccans are out there, and if you ask around enough, you'll bump into one eventually.

A Book of Shadows is a book containing religious texts and instructions for magical rituals found within the Neopagan religion of Wicca. Originating within the Gardnerian tradition of the Craft, the first Book of Shadows was created by the pioneering Wiccan Gerald Gardner sometime in the late 1940s or early 1950s, and which he utilised first in his Bricket Wood coven and then in other covens which he founded in following decades. The concept of the Book of Shadows was then adopted by other Wiccan traditions, such as Alexandrianism and Mohsianism, and with the rise of books teaching people how to begin following Wicca in the 1970s onward, the idea of the Book of Shadows was then further propagated amongst solitary practitioners unconnected to earlier traditions.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Shadows

A grimoire/ɡrɪmˈwɑr/ is a textbook of magic. Such books typically include instructions on how to create magical objects like talismansand amulets, how to perform magical spells, charms and divination and also how to summon or invoke supernatural entities such asangels, spirits, and demons.[1] In many cases, the books themselves are also believed to be imbued with magical powers, though in many cultures, other sacred texts that are not grimoires, such as the Bible, have also been believed to have supernatural properties intrinsically; in this manner while all books on magic could be thought of as grimoires, not all magical books should.[2]While the term grimoire is originally European and many Europeans throughout history, particularly ceremonial magicians and cunning folk, have made use of grimoires, the historian Owen Davies noted that similar books can be found all across the world, ranging fromJamaica to Sumatra,[3] and he also noted that the first grimoires could be found not only in Europe but in the Ancient Near East.[4]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimoire

In early societies, the reappearance of the moon was often a cause for celebration -- after all, it meant that the dark had passed, and the full moon was on its way back. The Carmina Gadelica offers some beautiful prayers for the night of the New Moon. They're Christian in the original context, but can be adapted nicely for a Pagan ceremony.The following rite is one which welcomes the moon back at the beginning of her cycle. If you're raising children in a Pagan or Wiccan tradition, this can be a lot of fun. It's also a simple ritual that can be performed by a solitary practitioner.

Difficulty: AverageTime Required: Varied

Here's How:

First, if your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so at this time. If you don't normally cast a circle, take the time to ritually purify the area by smudging or asperging. This will establish the space as sacred.Perform this ceremony outside if at all possible -- it's the best way to get a good look at the sliver of new moon. You'll need a moon candle, wrapped in a black cloth, to place on your altar. This is traditionally a white unscented pillar-style candle. You'll also need a hand-held mirror. Tie some silver and white ribbons on it if you wish. Finally, have a small bowl ofBlessing Oil handy.

Hold this ceremony at sunset if you can. Turn to the west, and watch as the sun goes down (without looking directly at it). Once the sun has dropped below the horizon, you'll be able to see where the new moon is rising. If the sun sets before you began, you'll need to look a bit higher in the sky, but you should still be able to find it as long as the night is a clear one.If you're doing this rite with children, have them each try to be the first one to spot the new moon.

Once you see the moon in the sky, unwrap the candle. Hold it up high and say:Welcome back, Moon! We're glad to see you again. Another cycle has passed another month gone by and our lives have moved forward.

Place the candle on the altar and light it, still facing the moon. Say:Today is a new day, and a new month begins. As the tides flow, and the moon rises above, we are thankful that She has returned. She watches over us, ever constant, yet always changing, and we are thankful for her light.

If you have children present, have them wave to the moon and thank her for returning -- you'd be amazed how silly and fun this simple task can become!Next, turn to face east, where the sun will rise in the morning. Pick up the mirror and hold it so you can see the new moon behind you. Say:Bring us your wisdom, your guidance, your protection, in the coming month. You are behind me at every step, watching and guiding me, and I am thankful.

Place the mirror back on the altar, beside the moon candle. Take a moment to reflect on your goals. After all, this is a time of new beginnings, and a good time for new commitments and vows.Warm the Blessing Oil over the candle for just a moment, and then anoint each others' foreheads. As you do so, say:May the blessings of the moon be with you.If you are working alone, anoint your own forehead, and grant yourself the blessings of the moon.

When you are ready, close the circle and end the ritual. If you choose, you can move into healing rites or magical workings, or a Cakes & Ale ceremony.

Tips:

If you're doing this rite as a family, the eldest female present should light the moon candle.

Decorate your altar with silvers and whites to celebrate the return of the moon.

Order in the next 5 days, and you can instantly download this 96-page pdf edition for only $5.95.

A short descripition:Sharing our stories is one of our most empowering gifts. In this issue, we have gathered stories of renewal, recovery, and recovery that we hope will brings those qualities to you, our beloved readers.

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? Jen McConnell finds wisdom — and challenge — in "Walking a Spiral Path." Finding community in a yearly gathering, Jamie Martinez Wood shares her joyous journey of renewal and rebirth in "The Healing Cloak of Womanhood."

Sometimes, what we need for our own renewal is simply a place that is solely our own. Writer Clara Oropeza dedicates a tiny shed to her writing, and shares her experience in "At Hestia's Hearth." Deborah Baudin finds her own voice at last in her story, "Switching Tracks," while Freya Velander puts her terrifying dreams to rest when she travels to her ancestor’s homeland in "Safe in Freya's Arms."

Although most of these stories are gentle, this issue's goddess is anything but meek and mild. Diana Paxson examines the mythology, ritual, and presence of the often-terrifying Hindu goddess in "Kali Ma: Dancing in the Dark."

Our regular columnists bring their own healing voices to this issue: herbalist Susun Weed teaches us to welcome fairies; Alison Leigh Lilly describes her child-free life and how she midwives the lives of others; Janet Callahan describes how mothering her medically-fragile children requires her to be open to change in her family's lives.

When Donna Henes needed catharsis one summer a decade ago, she found herself on the beach in a Summer Solstice ritual to Yemaya, while Lizann Bassham spins a story of how encounters with rattlesnakes have informed her journey into Cronehood and Anne Hill offers a cautionary tale of how healing can bring unexpected (even traumatic) life changes.

Plus goddess-poetry, reviews of books, music, and oracle decks, and the wonderful voices of our readers in our "readers write" department, the Rattle. We end with a meditation on a healing move from the busy city to a remote country farmstead by Liz Bohm. What a lovely, healing, magical issue! BBI Media

Over the course of the last several decades, the Neo-Pagan movement has grown and changed dramatically. Where have we been and, more importantly, where are we headed? In this Magick Moment discussion with Publisher Anne Newkirk-Niven (Sage Woman, Witches & Pagans, and Crone Magazine as well as PaganSquare.com) we get to learn from Anne's unique position and history within the Pagan Community.

Wiccans and Pagans have an animal companion that they consider their familiar. A familiar is part of the family. A familiar is often defined as an animal with whom we have a magical connection. If an animal has appeared in your life unexpectedly -- such as a stray cat that appears regularly, for instance -- it's possible that the animal may have been drawn to you magickally!